A auto glass provides structural support, which means it makes you safe when you are driving. Seeing its importance, you need to have an intact windshield with no cracks.. In cases of inevitable wear and tear or an accident, the auto glass repair and replacement is highly recommended depending on the situation. The sooner it is done, the better it is for your safety and the quality of your vehicle.

But auto glass repair and replacement are two completely different processes. Knowing which is which will help you get the best solution for your windshield. Here is a look at when to repair and when to replace.

Repairs

You don’t have to replace a auto glass for every chip or a crack. As long as it can be repaired, you should fix it rather than getting a replacement. Usually, solution providers repair chips and cracks that are as long as three inches. If you are not sure, you can refer it to an expert. It can worsen if you leave unattended so it is vital to fixing it as soon as possible.

In repairing, the damaged portion is cleaned of dirt and moisture; then a strong resin is injected into that area of the windshield. It takes comparatively less time to get it done. Repairing can take as little as less than half an hour and replacement usually takes an hour. The decision to repair can be, in a way, environmentally friendly as well, because windshields are usually dumped once a replacement is done, with no value for reuse.

Repair Costs

Consult a well-experienced repair shop for information to help you make a better decision, whether the repair is enough or what kind of care you can take in the future. Repairing costs less and sometimes insurance companies also waive the deductible. They will cover the cost and you can do it almost free of cost. Early repairing can also save you from unnecessary troubles as the chip develops into cracks and gets worse.

Replacement

However, when the damage is severe, replacement is the only option. In some other cases, repairing does not return your auto glass to its original condition. Once you take it to the auto repair glass shop, there is always a mark or a scar. If it gets into your field of vision, repairing is not encouraged; rather the windshield should be replaced. Again, it is necessary to go to the most experienced repair shop. As the auto glass is such an important structural part, there must be no compromise on the quality of the material or the replacement service.

Looks like your insurance agent has made some tall claims about the auto insurance that was sold to you is the best policy on the market. Nevertheless there was no way for you to realize that the policy being sold to you is actually not the greatest and you will have to cover some repairs, namely your windshield. Therefore, you should always do your homework about different auto insurance policies before actually getting one for your car. Never trust an insurance policy seller blindly without checking the papers that you are signing.

Is my auto insurance policy a good one?

A typical auto insurance policy doesn’t cover replacing or repairing a broken windshield unless your policy is a comprehensive auto insurance coverage one or full glass coverage, which is sometimes stated as a part of comprehensive coverage and sometimes a standalone policy. You might not know it, but even if it seems like your auto insurance policy is paying for the damages to your windshield glass, let me tell you it is a big misconception because the deductibles never let that happen. Deductibles are the charges that you will have to pay out of your own pocket if the cost of damage doesn’t exceed a certain value. Suppose an insurance company pays minimum 500$ of deductible for a damage, but your damage costs only 200$, here my friend you will end up paying the repair cost out of your own pocket.

Which is the best auto insurance policy?

Since repairing a cracked windshield glass is very inexpensive as compared to replacing it, therefore, insurance companies mostly prefer replacing your windshield unless it has completely shattered, in that case, a glass replacement could be possible, depending upon the state you are dwelling in, and whether your insurance policy supports it or not.

If your comprehensive auto insurance coverage bears glass repair contract, then the insurance company will repair or rarely replace your car’s windshield glass. You might not have to pay a deductible if a glass repair agreement exists in your policy. But these policies and their applicability’s vary regionally, therefore, we suggest you to check in with your insurance provider as soon as possible.

However, if full glass coverage is applicable in your state and your insurance policy has it opted in; there will be no need for you to pay for the windshield repair out of your own pocket. No deductibles will have to be receipted by you and that is a good thing.